Sunderland vs Arsenal: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head
Arsenal secured a victory against Sunderland to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season. Key contributions included a penalty save by David Raya and a decisive goal from Bruno Guimaraes.
Why it matters
This result reinforces Arsenal's position at the top of the Premier League table, impacting the competitive landscape of English football.
Figure caption, Arsenal hold off energetic Sunderland to continue perfect title defence
Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the season after two moments of brilliance from David Raya and Bruno Guimaraes set them on course for victory at Sunderland.
On 55 minutes, Gunners defender Ezri Konsa was penalised for pulling down Dan Ballard in the box, but goalkeeper Raya read Enzo le Fee's penalty with a superb save low to his left.
And its true significance was not revealed until 121 seconds later, when midfielder Guimaraes - brought on as a half-time substitute - brilliantly curled home the opener off the bar from 20 yards out.
It was the summer signing's first Arsenal goal and had added meaning as it came against Sunderland - the arch-rivals of his former club Newcastle United.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in